The Defense Intelligence Agency is out with a new report on threats facing the United States in space. The analysis is alarming: Russia and China have both invested in technology to disrupt U.S. operations, potentially ushering in a new era of competition and militarization of space.
The document, “Challenges to Security in Space,” focuses on emerging capabilities from Russia and China, although it also addresses threats from North Korea and Iran.
Of specific concern are efforts by rival nations to develop technology that could disable or interfere with satellites. That is a serious threat as the U.S. needs satellites for military and civilian operations, including but not limited to communications (such as Internet and phones), intelligence gathering, missile sensors, and navigation. A loss of such functionality could cripple key missile defense operations and potentially cut off communications.
That means satellites are highly valuable targets.
China is developing high-power laser weapons to disrupt or disable sensors. As the report notes, the country “possibly already has limited capability to employ laser systems against satellite sensors” and “likely will field ground-based laser weapons that can counter low-orbit space-based sensors by 2020.” In addition, the PLA has “an operational ground-based” anti-anti-satellite missile. It has also prioritized jamming and anti-jamming techniques to disable satellite-dependent systems.
Russia likewise employs a variety of techniques to target satellites. For example, the military already has electronic warfare capabilities to disrupt consumption and GPS functions. Like China, Russia is also likely pursuing laser weapons and other means of disabling satellites in attacks from other satellites and ground based anti-satellite missiles.
Of course, these investments are part of broader strategic objectives for both countries. As China expands its influence around the world, its space capabilities are part of a larger development of its military capacity as well as a key asset to be offered to potential allies. And Russia’s space program is linked to efforts to expand influence in former Soviet-controlled areas as well as push back against U.S. dominance.
These technologies leave the U.S. vulnerable to new threats, with far-reaching consequences.
To guard against them, we must not only pursue development of our own weapons but also work to develop new treaties limiting the space arms-race, built on the model of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Finally, we must invest in research in new technology and applications to guard against potential attacks. As the report makes clear, the U.S. must not take its dominance in space for granted.
